Preface: Z77H2-A3 User Manual

Preface
Copyright
This publication, including all photographs, illustrations and software, is protected
under international copyright laws, with all rights reserved. Neither this manual, nor
any of the material contained herein, may be reproduced without written consent of
the author.
Version 2.0
Disclaimer
The information in this document is subject to change without notice. The manufac-
turer makes no representations or warranties with respect to the contents hereof
and specifically disclaims any implied warranties of merchantability or fitness for
any particular purpose. The manufacturer reserves the right to revise this publica-
tion and to make changes from time to time in the content hereof without obligation
of the manufacturer to notify any person of such revision or changes.
Trademark Recognition
Microsoft, MS-DOS and Windows are registered trademarks of Microsoft Corp.
MMX, Pentium, Pentium-II, Pentium-III, Celeron are registered trademarks of Intel
Corporation.
Other product names used in this manual are the properties of their respective owners
and are acknowledged.
Federal Communications Commission (FCC)

This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class B
digital device, pursuant to Part 15 of the FCC Rules. These limits are designed to
provide reasonable protection against harmful interference in a residential instal-
lation. This equipment generates, uses, and can radiate radio frequency energy and,
if not installed and used in accordance with the instructions, may cause harmful
interference to radio communications. However, there is no guarantee that interfer-
ence will not occur in a particular installation. If this equipment does cause harmful
interference to radio or television reception, which can be determined by turning
the equipment off and on, the user is encouraged to try to correct the interference by
one or more of the following measures:
• Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna
• Increase the separation between the equipment and the receiver
• Connect the equipment onto an outlet on a circuit different from that to
which the receiver is connected
• Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/TV technician for help
Shielded interconnect cables and a shielded AC power cable must be employed with
this equipment to ensure compliance with the pertinent RF emission limits govern-
ing this device. Changes or modifications not expressly approved by the system’s
manufacturer could void the user’s authority to operate the equipment.
Z77H2-A3 USER MANUAL

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Declaration of Conformity
This device complies with part 15 of the FCC rules. Operation is subject to the follow-
ing conditions:
• This device may not cause harmful interference.
• This device must accept any interference received, including interference
that may cause undesired operation.
This device is in conformity with the following EC/EMC directives:
EN 55022 Limits and methods of mesurement of radio disturbance char-
acteristics of information technology equipment
EN 61000-3-2 Disturbances in supply systems caused
EN 61000-3-3 Disturbances in supply systems caused by household appli-

ances and similar electrical equipment “ Voltage fluctuations”
EN 55024 Information technology equipment-Immunity characteristics-
Limits and methods of measurement
EN 60950 Safety for information technology equipment including electri-
cal business equipment
CE marking
Canadian Department of Communications

This class B digital apparatus meets all requirements of the Canadian Interference-
causing Equipment Regulations.
Cet appareil numérique de la classe B respecte toutes les exigences du Réglement
sur le matériel brouilieur du Canada.
About the Manual

The manual consists of the following:
Chapter 1 Describes features of the H page 1
Introducing the Motherboard motherboard.
Chapter 2 Describes installation of H page 7

Installing the Motherboard motherboard components.
Chapter 3 Provides information on us- H page 27
Using BIOS ing the BIOS Setup Utility.
Chapter 4 Describes the motherboard H page 57
Using the Motherboard Software software.
Chapter 5 Describes Intel ® Matrix H page 63

Intel® Matrix Storage Manager Storage Manager RAID
RAID Configurations Configurations.
Chapter 6 Provides basic trouble H page 69

Trouble Shooting shooting tips.

ii
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Preface i
Chapter 1 1
Introducing the Motherboard 1
Introduction...................................................................................1
Pakage Contents............................................................................1
Specifications................................................................................2
Motherboard Components..........................................................4
I/O Ports..............................................................................................6
Chapter 2 7
Installing the Motherboard 7
Safety Precautions.............................................................................7
Installing the Motherboard in a Chassis......................................7
Checking Jumper Settings..................................................................8
Installing Hardware..................................................................9
Installing the Processor.............................................................9
Installing the CPU Cooler.........................................................11
Installing Memory Modules....................................................12
Installing Add-on Cards...........................................................14
Connecting Optional Devices..................................................16
Installing a SATA Hard Drive...................................................22
Connecting Case Components.......................................................23
Front Panel Header.................................................................25
Chapter 3 27
Using BIOS 27
About the Setup Utility........................ .......................................27
The Standard Configuration........................ ...........................27
Entering the Setup Utility........................................................27
Resetting the Default CMOS Values.....................................28
Using BIOS........................................................................................28
BIOS Navigation Keys..............................................................29
Main Menu.............................................................................30
Advanced Menu......................................................................31
Chipset Menu..........................................................................43
M.I.B III(MB Intelligent Bios III) Menu....................................46
Boot Menu...............................................................................50
Security Menu..........................................................................52
Save & Exit Menu.....................................................................55
Z77H2-A3 USER MANUAL iii

Chapter 4 57
Using the Motherboard Software 57
Auto-installing under Windows XP/7/8.........................................57
Running Setup.........................................................................57
Manual Installation..........................................................................59
ECS Utility Software (Intelligent EZ Utility).....................................59
Chapter 5 63
Intel® Matrix Storage Manager RAID Configuration 63
Before creating a RAID set.............................................................63
Entering Intel® Matrix Storage Manager RAID BIOS utility.....64
Creating a RAID set.........................................................................65
Deleting a RAID set..........................................................................67
Reseting disks to Non-RAID.....................................................68
Exiting Setup..............................................................................68
Chapter 6 69
Trouble Shooting 69
Start up problems during assembly..............................................69
Start up problems after prolong use............................................70
Maintenance and care tips..............................................................70
Basic Troubleshooting Flowchart...................................................71
iv
Chapter 1
Chapter 1
Introducing the Motherboard
Introduction
Thank you for choosing the Z77H2-A3 motherboard. This motherboard is a high per-
formance, enhanced function motherboard designed to support the LGA1155 socket
for latest new Sandy Bridge and Ivy Bridge high-end desktop processors.
This motherboard is based on Intel® Z77 Express Chipset for best desktop platform
solution. It supports up to 32 GB of system memory with dual channel DDR3
2820+(OC)/1600 MHz. One PCI Express x16 slot, intended for Graphics Interface, is
supported. In addition, four PCI Express x1 slots and two PCI slots are for extending
usage.
It integrates USB 2.0 and USB 3.0 interface, supporting up to ten USB 2.0 ports (six
USB 2.0 ports at rear panel and two USB 2.0 headers support additional four USB 2.0
ports) and four USB 3.0 ports (two USB 3.0 ports at the rear panel and one USB 3.0
header supports additional two USB 3.0 ports). The gray USB 2.0 header provides EZ
charger technology, please refer to Front Panel USB headers of chapter 2 for more
details.
The motherboard is equipped with advanced full set of I/O ports in the rear panel,
including PS/2 Combo & USB connectors, one DVI port (colay HDMI port), one VGA
port, one RJ45 LAN connector, six USB 2.0 ports, two USB 3.0 ports and audio jacks 8-
ch for microphone, line-in and line-out.
In addition, this motherboard supports two SATA 6Gb/s and four SATA 3Gb/s connec-
tors for expansion.
Package Contents
Your motherboard package ships with the following items:
Z77H2-A3 Motherboard
Quick Installation Guide
User Manual
DVD
I/O Shield
2 SATA 3Gb/s Cables
The package contents above are for reference only, please take the actual
package items as standard.
Z77H2-A3 USER MANUAL 1

Specifications
Chapter 1
CPU • LGA1155 socket for latest new Sandy Bridge and Ivy Bridge
high-end desktop processors
Note: Please go to ECS website for the latest CPU support list.
Chipset • Intel® Z77 Chipset
Memory • Dual-channel DDR3 memory architecture
• 4 x 240-pin DDR3 DIMM sockets support up to 32 GB
• Supports DDR3 2820+(OC)/1600 DDR3 SDRAM
Note: Please go to ECS website for the latest Memory support list.
Expansion • 1 x PCI Express Gen3.0 x16 slot
Slots • 4 x PCI Express x1 slots
• 2 x PCI slots
Storage • Supported by Intel® Z77 Express Chipset
- 4 x Serial ATA 3Gb/s devices
- 2 x Serial ATA 6Gb/s devices
- RAID 0, RAID 1, RAID 5, RAID 10 configuration
Audio • Realtek ALC892 8-Ch High Definition audio CODEC
- Compliant with HD audio specification
LAN • Realtek 8111E
- 10/100/1000 Fast Ethernet Controller
Rear Panel I/O • 1 x PS/2 Combo & USB connectors
• 1 x VGA port
• 1 x DVI port (colay HDMI port)
• 6 x USB 2.0 ports
• 1 x RJ45 LAN connector
• 2 x USB 3.0 ports
• Audio jacks 8-ch for microphone, line-in and line-out
Internal I/O • 1 x 24-pin ATX Power Supply connector
Connectors & • 1 x 4-pin ATX 12V Power connector
Headers • 1 x 4-pin CPU_FAN connector
• 1 x 3-pin SYS_FAN1 (with smart fan) & SYS_FAN2 connectors
• 1 x 3-pin PWR_FAN connector
• 2 x USB 2.0 headers support additional four USB 2.0 ports
(F_USB1 supports EZ charger)
• 1 x USB 3.0 header supports additional two USB 3.0 ports
• 4 x Serial SATA 3Gb/s connectors
• 2 x Serial SATA 6Gb/s connectors
• 1 x Serial port header (COM)
• 1 x SPDIF out header
• 1 x Front Panel audio header
• 1 x Front Panel switch/LED header
• 1 x CLR_CMOS header
• 1 x Speaker header
• 1 x Case open header
• 1 x ME_UNLOCK header
2
Chapter 1
System BIOS • AMI BIOS with 64Mb SPI Flash ROM
• Supports Plug and Play, STR (S3)/ STD(S4), Hardware Monitor,
Multi Boot
• Audio, LAN, can be disabled in BIOS
• F7 hot key for boot up devices option
• Supports ACPI 3.0 revision & DMI
• Supports Pgup clear CMOS Hotkey
• Supports Over-Clocking
• Supports ECS M.I.B III Utility
• Supports eBLU, eDLU, eOC, eSF (Warning: Microsoft .NET Frame-
work 3.5 is required)
• Supports EZ Charger
Form Factor • ATX Size, 305mm x 210mm

Motherboard Components
Chapter 1
4
Table of Motherboard Components
Chapter 1
LABEL COMPONENTS
1. CPU Socket LGA1155 socket
2. CPU_FAN 4-pin CPU cooling fan connector
3. DDR3_1~4 240-pin DDR3 Module slots
4. ATX_POWER Standard 24-pin ATX power connector
5. PWR_FAN Power cooling fan connector
6. SPI_DEBUG SPI debug header-for factory use only
7. USB3F Front panel USB 3.0 header
8. CASE CASE open header
9. SATA 1/ 2 Serial ATA 6.0 Gb/s connectors
10. SATA3~6 Serial ATA 3.0 Gb/s connectors
11. F_PANEL Front panel switch/LED header
12. F_USB1~2 Front panel USB 2.0 headers (F_USB1 supports EZ Charger)
13. ME_UNLOCK ME unlock header-for factory use only
14. CLR_CMOS Clear CMOS jumper
15. SPK Speaker header
16. SYS_FAN2 3-pin system cooling fan connector
17. COM Onboard serial port header
18. SPDIFO SPDIF out header
19. F_AUDIO Front panel audio header
20. PCI1~2 32-bit add-on card slots
21. PCIE1~4 PCI Express x1 slots
22. PCIEX16 PCI Express slot for graphics interface
23. SYS_FAN1 3-pin system cooling fan connector
24. ATX12V 4-pin +12V power connector

I/O Ports
Chapter 1
1. PS/2 Combo port

Use the PS/2 combo port to connect the PS/2 Keyboard or PS/2 Mouse.
2. USB 2.0 Ports
Use the USB 2.0 ports to connect USB 2.0 devices.
3. VGA Port
Connect your monitor to the VGA port.
4. DVI Port (colay HDMI Port)
You can connect the display device to the DVI port.
5. USB 3.0 Ports
Use the USB 3.0 ports to connect USB 3.0 devices.
6. LAN Port
Connect an RJ-45 jack to the LAN port to connect your computer to the Network.
Link LED
LAN LED Status Description
OFF No data
Activity LED
Orange blinking Active
OFF No link
Link LED
Green Link
LAN Port
7~12. Audio ports

Use the audio jacks to connect audio devices. No.10 port is for stereo line-in signal,
while No.12 port is for microphone in signal. This motherboard supports 8-channel
audio devices that correspond to No.7, No.8, No.9 and No.11 port respectively. In
addition, all of the 3 ports, No.8, No.9, and No.11 provide users with both right &
left channels individually. Users please refer to the following note for specific port
function definition.
7: Center & Woofer 10: Line-in
8: Back Surround 11: Front Out
9: Side Surround 12: Mic_in Rear
The above port definition can be changed to audio input or audio output by
changing the driver utility setting.
6
Chapter 2
Installing the Motherboard
2-1. Safety Precautions
Follow these safety precautions when installing the motherboard:
Chapter 2
• Wear a grounding strap attached to a grounded device to avoid damage
from static electricity.
• Discharge static electricity by touching the metal case of a safely grounded
object before working on the motherboard.
• Leave components in the static-proof bags.
• Always remove the AC power by unplugging the power cord from the power
outlet before installing or removing the motherboard or other hardware
components.
2-2. Installing the motherboard in a Chassis

This motherboard carries an ATX form factor of 305 x 210 mm. Choose a chassis that
accommodates this form factor. Make sure that the I/O template in the chassis
matches the I/O ports installed on the rear edge of the motherboard. Most system
chassis have mounting brackets installed in the chassis, which corresponds to the
holes in the motherboard. Place the motherboard over the mounting brackets and
secure the motherboard onto the mounting brackets with screws.
Do not over-tighten the screws as this can stress the motherboard.

2-3. Checking Jumper Settings
The following illustration shows the location of the motherboard jumpers. Pin 1 is
labeled.
Chapter 2
To avoid the system instability after clearing CMOS, we recommend users to

enter the main BIOS setting page to “Load Default Settings” and then “Save
and Exit Setup”.
8
2-4. Installing Hardware
2-4-1. Installing the Processor
• This motherboard has an LGA1155 socket.
• When choosing a processor, consider the performance requirements of
the system. Performance is based on the processor design, the clock speed
Chapter 2
and system bus frequency of the processor, and the quantity of internal
cache memory and external cache memory.
• You may be able to change the settings in the system Setup Utility. We
strongly recommend you do not over-clock processor or other compo-
nents to run faster than their rated speed.
• The following illustration shows CPU installation components.
A. Press the hook of lever down with your thumb and pull it to the right
side to release it from retention tab.
B. Lift the tail of the load lever and rotate the load plate to fully open
position.
C. Grasp the edge of the package substrate. Make sure pin 1 indicator
is on your bottom-left side. Aim at the socket and place the package
carefully into the socket by purely vertical motion.

D. Rotate the load plate onto the package IHS (Intergraded Heat
Spreader). Engage the load lever while pressing down lightly onto the
load plate. Secure the load lever with the hook under retention tab. Then
the cover will flick automatically.
Chapter 2
Please save and replace the cover onto the CPU socket if processor is re-
moved.
10
2-4-2. Installing the CPU Cooler
• Install the cooling fan in a well-lit work area so that you can clearly see the
motherboard and processor socket.
• Avoid using cooling fans with sharp edges in case the fan casing and the
clips cause serious damage to the motherboard or its components.
• To achieve better airflow rates and heat dissipation, we suggest that you
Chapter 2
use a high quality fan with 3800 rpm at least. CPU fan and heat sink instal-
lation procedures may vary with the type of CPU fan/heatsink supplied.
The form and size of fan/heatsink may also vary.
• DO NOT remove the CPU cap from the socket before installing a CPU.
• Return Material Authorization (RMA) requests will be accepted only if the
motherboard comes with the cap on the LGA1155 socket.
• The following illustration shows how to install CPU fan.
A. Apply some thermal grease onto the contacted area between the
heatsink and the CPU, and make it to be a thin layer.
B. Fasten the cooling fan supporting base onto the CPU socket on the
motherboard. And make sure the CPU fan is plugged to the CPU fan
connector.
C. Connect the CPU cooler power connector to the CPU_FAN connector.

2-4-3. Installing Memory Modules
• This motherboard accommodates four memory modules. It can support
four 240-pin DDR3 2800+(OC).
• Do not remove any memory module from its antistatic packaging until
you are ready to install it on the motherboard. Handle the modules only
by their edges. Do not touch the components or metal parts. Always wear
a grounding strap when you handle the modules.
Chapter 2
• You must install at least one module in any of the four slots. Total memory
capacity is 32 GB.
• Refer to the following to install the memory modules.
A. Push the latches on each side of the DIMM slot down.
B. Install the DIMM module into the slot and press it firmly down until it
seats correctly. Check that the cutouts on the DIMM module edge
connector match the notches in the DIMM slot.
C. The slot latches are levered upwards and latch on to the edges of the
DIMM.
The four DDR3 memory sockets (DDR3_1, DDR3_2, DDR3_3 and DDR3_4) are divided
into two channels and each channel has two memory sockets as following:
Channel A: DDR3_1, DDR3_2
Channel B: DDR3_3, DDR3_4
12
Recommend memory configuration
Sockets
Model
DDR3_1 DDR3_2 DDR3_3 DDR3_4
1 DIMM ~ Populated ~ ~
1 DIMM ~ ~ ~ Populated
Chapter 2
2 DIMMs ~ Populated ~ Populated
3 DIMMs Populated Populated ~ Populated
3 DIMMs ~ Populated Populated Populated

4 DIMMs Populated Populated Populated Populated
Due to Intel CPU spec definition, please follow the table above for
recommended memory configuration.
1. For best performance and compatibility, we recommend that users give

priority to the white DIMMs (DDR3_2/DDR3_4) when installing DIMMs.
2. We suggest users not to mix memory type. It is recommended to use the
same brand and type memory on this motherboard.

2-4-4. Installing Add-on Cards
The slots on this motherboard are designed to hold expansion cards and connect
them to the system bus. Expansion slots are a means of adding or enhancing the
motherboard’s features and capabilities. With these efficient facilities, you can
increase the motherboard’s capabilities by adding hardware that performs tasks
that are not part of the basic system.
Chapter 2
PCIE1~4 Slots The PCI Express x1 slot is fully compliant to the PCI Express Base
Specification revision 2.0.
PCIEX16 Slot The PCI Express x16 slot is used to install an external PCI Ex-
press graphics card that is fully compliant to the PCI Express
Base Specification revision 3.0.
PCI1~2 Slots This motherboard is equipped with two standard PCI slots. PCI
stands for Peripheral Component Interconnect and is a bus
standard for expansion cards, which for the most part, is a
supplement of the older ISA bus standard. The PCI slots on this
board are PCI v3.0 compliant.
Before installing an add-on card, check the documentation for

the card carefully. If the card is not Plug and Play, you may have
to manually configure the card before installation.
14
Follow these instructions to install an add-on card:
1 Remove a blanking plate from the system case corresponding to the slot
you are going to use.
2 Install the edge connector of the add-on card into the expansion slot.
Ensure that the edge connector is correctly seated in the slot.
Chapter 2
3 Secure the metal bracket of the card to the system case with a screw.
1. For some add-on cards, for example graphics adapters and network adapt-
ers, you have to install drivers and software before you can begin using the
add-on card.
2. The onboard PCI interface does not support 64-bit SCSI cards.
Please refer the following illustrations to install the add-on card:
Install the VGA Card in the PCI slot Install the LAN Card in the PCIE X1 slot
Install the VGA Card in the PCIE X16 slot

2-4-5. Connecting Optional Devices
Refer to the following for information on connecting the motherboard’s optional
devices:
Chapter 2
No. Components No. Components

1 USB3F 5 ME_UNLOCK
2 CASE 6 COM
3 SATA1~6 7 SPDIFO
4 F_USB1~2 8 F_AUDIO
16
1. USB3F: Front Panel USB 3.0 header
This Motherboard implements one USB 3.0 header supporting 2 extra front USB 3.0
ports, which delivers 5Gb/s transfer rate.
Chapter 2
Please make sure that the USB cable has the same pin assignment as indi-
cated above. A different pin assignment may cause damage or system hang-
up.
2. CASE: Chassis Intrusion Detect Header

This detects if the chassis cover has been removed. This function needs a chassis
equipped with instrusion detection switch and needs to be enabled in BIOS.

3. SATA1~6: Serial ATA connectors
SATA3~6 connectors are used to support the Serial ATA 3.0Gb/s device, SATA1/2 con-
nectors support the Serial ATA 6.0Gb/s device, simpler disk drive cabling and easier
PC assembly. It eliminates limitations of the current Parallel ATA interface. But main-
tains register compatibility and software compatibility with Parallel ATA.
Chapter 2
4. F_USB1~2: Front Panel USB 2.0 headers (F_USB1 supports EZ Charger)

The motherboard has two USB 2.0 headers supporting four USB 2.0 ports. Addition-
ally, some computer cases have USB ports at the front of the case. If you have this
kind of case, use auxiliary USB connector to connect the front-mounted ports to the
motherboard.
Unlike F_USB2 in this mainboard, F_USB1 supports EZ Charger technology, provides
3 times current than general USB port in off mode for USB devices. It is useful and
excellent, especially for the iPhone, iPad and iPod touch devices that need a large
amount of current for faster recharging within less time.
Please make sure that the USB cable has the same pin assignment as indi-
cated above. A different pin assignment may cause damage or system hang-
up.
18
5. ME_UNLOCK: ME Unlock Header
Chapter 2
6. COM: Onboard serial port header
Connect a serial port extension bracket to this header to add a serial port to your
system.

7. SPDIFO: SPDIF out header
This is an optional header that provides an SPDIFO (Sony/Philips Digital Interface)
output to digital multimedia device through optical fiber or coaxial connector.
Chapter 2
8. F_AUDIO: Front Panel Audio Header

The front panel audio header allows the user to install auxiliary front-oriented mi-
crophone and line-out ports for easier access. This header supports HD audio by
default. If you want connect an AC’ 97 front panel audio to HD onboard headers,
please set as below picture.
20
AC’ 97 Audio Configuration: To enable the front panel audio connector to sup-
port AC97 Audio mode.
If you use AC’ 97 Front Panel, please tick off the option of “ Disabled Front Panel
Detect ”. If you use HD Audio Front Panel, please don’ t tick off “Disabled Front Panel
Detect ” .
Chapter 2
* For reference only
If you use AC’ 97 Front Panel, please don’ t tick off “Using Front Jack Detect ”. If you
use HD Audio Front Panel, please tick off the option of “Using Front Jack Detect ”.

2-4-6. Installing a SATA Hard Drive
This section describes how to install a SATA Hard Drive.
About SATA Connectors
Your motherboard features six SATA connectors supporting a total of six drives. SATA
refers to Serial ATA (Advanced Technology Attachment) is the standard interface for
the IDE hard drives which are currently used in most PCs. These connectors are well
Chapter 2
designed and will only fit in one orientation. Locate the SATA connectors on the
motherboard and follow the illustration below to install the SATA hard drives.
Installing Serial ATA Hard Drives
To install the Serial ATA (SATA) hard drives, use the SATA cable that supports the Serial
ATA protocol. This SATA cable comes with a SATA power cable. You can connect either
end of the SATA cable to the SATA hard drive or the connector on the motherboard.
Refer to the illustration below for proper installation:

1 Attach either cable end to the connector on the motherboard.
2 Attach the other cable end to the SATA hard drive.
3 Attach the SATA power cable to the SATA hard drive and connect the other
end to the power supply.
22
2-4-7. Connecting Case Components
After you have installed the motherboard into a case, you can begin connecting the
motherboard components. Refer to the following:
Chapter 2
No. Components No. Components
1 CPU_FAN 5 SPK
2 ATX_POWER 6 SYS_FAN 1~2
3 PWR_FAN 7 ATX_12V
4 F_PANEL
1. CPU_FAN (CPU cooling FAN Power Connector) & 6. SYS_FAN (System Cool-
ing FAN Power Connector) & 3. PWR_FAN (Power Cooling FAN Power Connec-
tor)
Connect the CPU cooling fan cable to CPU_FAN.
Connect the system cooling fan connector to SYS_FAN1~2.
Connect the power cooling fan connector to PWR_FAN.
Users please note that the fan connector supports the CPU cooling fan of 1.1A
~ 2.2A (26.4W max) at +12V.

2. ATX_POWER (ATX 24-pin Power Connector) & 7. ATX12V (ATX 12V Power
Connector)
Connect the standard power supply connector to ATX_POWER.
Connect the auxiliary case power supply connector to ATX12V.
Chapter 2
Connecting 24-pin power cable

The ATX 24-pin connector allows you to connect to ATX v2.x power supply.
With ATX v2.x power supply, users please

note that when installing 24-pin power
cable, the latches of power cable and the
ATX match perfectly.
24-pin power cable
Connecting 4-pin power cable

The ATX12V4P power connector is used to provide power to the CPU.
When installing 4-pin power cable, the

latches of power cable and the ATX12V4P
match perfectly.
4-pin power cable
24
4. Front Panel Header
The front panel header (F_PANEL) provides a standard set of switch and LED headers
commonly found on ATX or Micro ATX cases. Refer to the table below for information:
Chapter 2
Hard Drive Activity LED
Connecting pins 1 and 3 to a front panel mounted LED provides visual indication that
data is being read from or written to the hard drive. For the LED to function properly,
an IDE drive should be connected to the onboard IDE interface. The LED will also
show activity for devices connected to the SCSI (hard drive activity LED) connector.
Power/Sleep/Message waiting LED
Connecting pins 2 and 4 to a single or dual-color, front panel mounted LED provides
power on/off, sleep, and message waiting indication.
Reset Switch
Supporting the reset function requires connecting pin 5 and 7 to a momentary-con-
tact switch that is normally open. When the switch is closed, the board resets and
runs POST.
Power Switch
Supporting the power on/off function requires connecting pins 6 and 8 to a momen-
tary-contact switch that is normally open. The switch should maintain contact for at
least 50 ms to signal the power supply to switch on or off. The time requirement is
due to internal de-bounce circuitry. After receiving a power on/off signal, at least
two seconds elapses before the power supply recognizes another on/off signal.

5. SPK: Speaker
Connect the case speaker cable to SPK.
Chapter 2
This concludes Chapter 2. The next chapter covers the BIOS.
26
Chapter 3
Using BIOS
About the Setup Utility
The computer uses the latest “American Megatrends Inc. ” BIOS with support for
Windows Plug and Play. The CMOS chip on the motherboard contains the ROM setup
instructions for configuring the motherboard BIOS.
The BIOS (Basic Input and Output System) Setup Utility displays the system’s con-
figuration status and provides you with options to set system parameters. The pa-
rameters are stored in battery-backed-up CMOS RAM that saves this information
when the power is turned off. When the system is turned back on, the system is
Chapter 3
configured with the values you stored in CMOS.
The BIOS Setup Utility enables you to configure:

• Hard drives, diskette drives and peripherals
• Video display type and display options
• Password protection from unauthorized use
• Power Management features
The settings made in the Setup Utility affect how the computer performs. Before
using the Setup Utility, ensure that you understand the Setup Utility options.
This chapter provides explanations for Setup Utility options.
The Standard Configuration

A standard configuration has already been set in the Setup Utility. However, we rec-
ommend that you read this chapter in case you need to make any changes in the
future.
This Setup Utility should be used:
• when changing the system configuration
• when a configuration error is detected and you are prompted to make
changes to the Setup Utility
• when trying to resolve IRQ conflicts
• when making changes to the Power Management configuration
• when changing the password or making other changes to the Security
Setup
Entering the Setup Utility

When you power on the system, BIOS enters the Power-On Self Test (POST) routines.
POST is a series of built-in diagnostics performed by the BIOS. After the POST routines
are completed, the following message appears:
Press DEL to enter SETUP

Press the delete key to access BIOS Setup Utility.
Chapter 3
Above image is for reference only, for details please refer to actual image.
Resetting the Default CMOS Values

When powering on for the first time, the POST screen may show a “CMOS Settings
Wrong” message. This standard message will appear following a clear CMOS data
at factory by the manufacturer. You simply need to Load Default Settings to reset
the default CMOS values.
Note: Changes to system hardware such as different CPU, memories, etc. may
also trigger this message.
Using BIOS
When you start the Setup Utility, the main menu appears. The main menu of the
Setup Utility displays a list of the options that are available. A highlight indicates
which option is currently selected. Use the cursor arrow keys to move the highlight
to other options. When an option is highlighted, execute the option by pressing
<Enter>.
Some options lead to pop-up dialog boxes that prompt you to verify that you wish to
execute that option. Other options lead to dialog boxes that prompt you for informa-
tion.
Some options (marked with a icon ) lead to submenus that enable you to change the
values for the option. Use the cursor arrow keys to scroll through the items in the
submenu.
28
In this manual, default values are enclosed in parenthesis. Submenu items are
denoted by a icon.
The default BIOS setting for this motherboard apply for most conditions
with optimum performance. We do not suggest users change the default
values in the BIOS setup and take no responsibility to any damage caused
by changing the BIOS settings.
BIOS Navigation Keys

The BIOS navigation keys are listed below:
KEY FUNCTION
ESC Exits the current menu

mnlk Scrolls through the items on a menu
Chapter 3
+/-Change Opt.
Enter Select
F1 General Help
F2 Previous Value
F3 Optimized Defaults
F4 Save & Exit
1. For the purpose of better product maintenance, the manufacture

reserves the right to change the BIOS items presented in this manual. The
BIOS setup screens shown in this chapter are for reference only and may
differ from the actual BIOS. Please visit the manufacture’s website for
updated manual.
2. In this Gui BIOS, you can operate by mouse or keyboard. Click : select
item; Double click: enter; Right click: exit.
Language
Select the language icon and press <Enter> or double click the left key of the mouse
to display the screen. Then you can choose the language: English, Traditional
Chinese, Simple Chinese, Russian, Korean, German, Spanish, Italian, Portuguese,
Japanese.
Default
Select the default icon and press <Enter> or double click the left key of the mouse
to display the screen. Then you can load optimized defaults or not.
Boot
Select the boot icon and press <Enter> or double click the left key of the mouse to
display the screen. Then you can choose the boot device.
Advanced
Select the advanced icon and press <Enter> or double click the left key of the mouse
to display the screen.

Main Menu
This menu shows the information of BIOS and enables you to set the system
language, date and time.
Main Advanced Chipset M.I.B III Boot Security Save & Exit
BIOS Information Choose the system default

language
System Language English
System Date Wed 12/28/2011

System Time 14:51:46
lk : Select Screen
mn /Click: Select Item
Chapter 3
Enter/Dbl Click : Select

+/- : Change Opt.
F1: General Help
F2: Previous Values
F3: Optimized Defaults
F4: Save & Exit
ESC/Right Click: Exit
System Language (English)

This item is used to set system language.
Date & Time
The Date and Time items show the current date and time on the computer. If you are
running a Windows OS, these items are automatically updated whenever you make
changes to the Windows Date and Time Properties utility.
30
Advanced Menu
The Advanced menu items allow you to change the settings for the CPU and other
system.
Enable or Disable Boot

LAN Configuration Option for Legacy Network
PC Health Status Devices.
Power Management Setup
ACPI Settings
CPU Configuration
SATA Configuration
USB Configuration lk : Select Screen
Chapter 3
Super IO Configuration
Intel(R) Rapid Start Technology Enter/Dbl Click : Select
Intel(R) Smart Connect Technology +/- : Change Opt.
F1: General Help
F2: Previous Values
F4: Save & Exit

LAN Configuration
The item in the menu shows the LAN-related information that the BIOS
automatically detects.
Enabled/Disabled Onboard
LAN Configuration LAN 1 Controller
Onboard LAN Controller Enabled
Network stack Enabled

Ipv4 PXE Support Enabled lk : Select Screen
Ipv6 PXE Support Enabled mn /Click: Select Item
+/- : Change Opt.
Chapter 3
F1: General Help

F2: Previous Values
F4: Save & Exit
Onboard LAN Controller (Enabled)

Use this item to enable or disable Onboard LAN 1 controller.
Network stack (Enabled)
Use this item to enable or disable UEFI network stack.
Ipv4/6 PXE Support (Enabled)
Use these items to enable or disable the Ipv4/6 PXE Boot support. If disabled IPV4/
6 PXE boot option will not be created.
Press <Esc> to return to the Advanced Menu page.
32
PC Health Status
On motherboards support hardware monitoring, this item lets you monitor the
parameters for critical voltages, temperatures and fan speeds.
PC Health Status
Smart Fan Function
System Temperature : 30 0C
CPU Fan Speed : 1890 RPM
System Fan Speed : 0 RPM
PWR Fan Speed : 0 RPM
Chapter 3
CPU Voltage : 1.116V
AXG Voltage : 2.220V lk : Select Screen
IMC Voltage : 1.044V mn /Click: Select Item
DIMM Voltage : 1.596V Enter/Dbl Click : Select
PCH Voltage : 1.056V +/- : Change Opt.
+5V : 5.014V F1: General Help
+12V : 12.000V F2: Previous Values
-=- PECI Mode -=- F4: Save & Exit
Offset to TCC Activation Temp. : -55 ESC/Right Click: Exit
fSmart Fan Function

Scroll to this item and press <Enter> to view the following screen:
CPU Smart Fan Control Enabled

Smart Fan Mode Normal
Smart Fan start PWM value 180

Smart Fan start PWM TEMP(-) 30
Delta T 3
Smart Fan Slope PWM value 10 PWM value/unit
CPU Fan Full Speed Offset (-) 23
System Smart Fan Control Enabled
Smart Fan Mode Normal
Smart Fan start PWM value 180
Smart Fan start PWM TEMP(-) 30 lk : Select Screen
Delta T 3 mn /Click: Select Item
SMART Fan Slope PWM value 10 PWM value/unit Enter/Dbl Click : Select
CPU Fan Full Speed Offset (-) 23 +/- : Change Opt.
F1: General Help
Power Smart Fan Control Enabled F2: Previous Values
Smart Fan Mode Normal F3: Optimized Defaults
F4: Save & Exit
Smart Fan start PWM value 180 ESC/Right Click: Exit
Smart Fan start PWM TEMP(-) 30
Delta T 3
CPU/System/Power Smart Fan Control (Enabled)

This item enables you to define the CPU/system/Power by smartly adjusting the
CPU/system/Power Fan. When it is set at certain temperature, the CPU/system/
Power Fan PWM value will change accordingly.

Smart Fan Mode (Normal)
This item allows you to select the fan mode (Normal, Quiet, Silent, or Manual) for a
better operation environment. If you choose Normal mode, the fan speed will be
auto adjusted depending on the CPU temperature. If you choose Quite mode, the
fan speed will be auto minimized for quiet environment. If you choose Silent mode,
the fan speed will be auto restricted to make system more quietly. If you choose
Manual mode, the fan speed will be adjust depending on users’ parameters.
Smart Fan start PWM value (180)
This item is used to set the start PWM value of the smart fan.
Smart Fan start PWM TEMP(-) (30)
This item is used to set the start temperature of the smart fan.
DeltaT (+3)
Chapter 3
This item specifies the range that controls CPU temperature and keeps it from going
so high or so low when smart fan works.
Smart Fan Slope PWM value (10 PWM value/unit)
This item is used to set the Slope Select PWM of the smart fan.
CPU Fan Full Speed Offset(-) (23)
This item is used to set the CPU fan full speed offset value.
Press <Esc> to return to the PC Health Status page.
System Component Characteristics

These items display the monitoring of the overall inboard hardware health events,
such as System temperature, CPU & DIMM voltage, CPU & System fan speed... etc.
• System Temperature
• CPU Fan Speed
• System Fan Speed
• PWR Fan Speed
• CPU Voltage
• AXG Voltage
• IMC Voltage
• DIMM Voltage
• PCH Voltage
• +5V
• +12V
34
This page sets up some parameters for system power management operation.
About Resume by Ring
Resume By RING Disabled

Resume By PME Disabled
Resume By USB (S3) Disabled
Resume By PS2 KB (S3) Disabled
Resume By PS2 MS (S3) Disabled lk : Select Screen
EUP Function Enabled mn /Click: Select Item
Power LED Type Dual Color LED Enter/Dbl Click : Select
+/- : Change Opt.
Chapter 3
F1: General Help
F2: Previous Values
F4: Save & Exit
Resume By RING (Disabled)

An input signal on the serial Ring Indicator (RI) line (in other words, an incoming call
on the modem) awakens the system from a soft off state.
Resume By PME (Disabled)
The system can be turned off with a software command. If you enable this item, the
system can automatically resume if there is an incoming call on the PCI Modem or
PCI LAN card. You must use an ATX power supply in order to use this feature. Use this
item to do wake-up action if inserting the PCI card.
Resume By USB (S3) (Disabled)
This item allows you to enable/disable the USB device wakeup function from S3
mode.
Resume By PS2 KB (S3) (Disabled)
This item enables or disables you to allow keyboard activity to awaken the system
from power saving mode.
Resume By PS2 MS (S3) (Disabled)
This item enables or disables you to allow mouse activity to awaken the system
from power saving mode.
EUP Function (Enabled)
This item allows user to enable or disable EUP support.
Power LED Type (Dual Color LED)
This item shows the type of the Power LED.

ACPI Configuration
The item in the menu shows the highest ACPI sleep state when the system enters
suspend.
ACPI Settings Select the highest ACPI

sleep state the system
ACPI Sleep State S3 (Suspend to RAM) will enter when the
SUSPEND button is pressed.
lk : Select Screen
Chapter 3

+/- : Change Opt.
F1: General Help
F2: Previous Values
F4: Save & Exit
ACPI Sleep State [S3(Suspend to RAM)]

This item allows user to enter the ACPI S3 (Suspend to RAM) Sleep State (default).
36
CPU Configuration
The item in the menu shows the CPU.
CPU Configuration Enabled for windows XPand
Linux (OS optimized for
Intel(R) Core(TM) i7-2700K CPU @ 3.50GHz Hyper-Threading
EM64T Supported Technology) and Disabled
Processor Speed 3500 MHz for other OS (OS not
Processor Stepping 206a7 optimized for
Microcode Revision 25 Hyper-Threading
Processor Cores 4 Technology). when Disabled
Intel HT Technology Supported only one thread per
Intel VT-x Technology Supported enabled core is enabled.
Chapter 3
Hyper-threading Enabled
Limit CPUID Maximum Disabled
Execute Disable Bit Enabled lk : Select Screen
Intel Virtualization Technology Enabled mn /Click: Select Item
CPU C3 Report Disabled
+/- : Change Opt.
CPU C6 Report Enabled F1: General Help
Enhanced Halt (C1E) Enabled F2: Previous Values
F4: Save & Exit
Intel(R) Core(TM) i7-2700K CPU @ 3.50GHz

This is display-only field and displays the information of the CPU installed in your
computer.
EM64T (Supported)
This item shows the computer supports EM64T.
Processor Speed (3500MHz)
This item shows the current processor speed.
Processor Stepping (206a7)
This item shows the processor stepping version.
Microcode Revision (25)
This item shows the Microcode version.
Processor Cores (4)
This item shows the core number of the processor.
Intel HT Technology (Supported)
This item shows the computer supports Intel HT Technology.
Intel VT-x Technology (Supported)
This item shows the computer supports Intel VT-x Technology.
Hyper-threading (Enabled)
This item only available when the chipset supports Hyper-threading and you are
using a Hyper-threading CPU.

Limit CPUID Maximum (Disabled)
Use this item to enable or disable the maximum CPUID value limit. When supports
Prescott and LGA775 CPUs, enables this to prevent the system from “rebooting”
when trying to install Windows NT 4.0.
Excute Disable Bit (Enabled)
This item allows the processor to classify areas in memory by where application
code can execute and where it cannot. When a malicious worm attempts to insert
code in the buffer, the processor disables code execution, preventing damage or
worm propagation. Replacing older computers with Execute Disable Bit enabled
systems can halt worm attacks, reducing the need for virus related repair.
Intel Virtualization Technology (Enabled)
When disabled, a VMM cannot utilize the additional hardware capabilities provided
by Vandor Pool Technology.
Chapter 3
CPU C3 Report (Disabled)

Use this item to enable or disable CPU C3(ACPI C2) report to OS.
CPU C6 Report (Enabled)
Use this item to enable or disable CPU C6(ACPI C3) report to OS.
Enhanced Halt (C1E) (Enabled)
Use this item to enable the CPU energy-saving function when the system is not run-
ning.
38
SATA Configuration
Use this item to show the mode of serial SATA configuration options.
SATA Configuration Determines how SATA
controller(s) operate.
SATA Mode IDE Mode
SATA Port1 ST3120827AS (120.0G
SATA Port2 Not Present
SATA Port3 Not Present
SATA Port4 Not Present lk : Select Screen
SATA Port5 Not Present mn /Click: Select Item
SATA Por6 Not Present Enter/Dbl Click : Select
+/- : Change Opt.
Chapter 3
F1: General Help
F2: Previous Values
F4: Save & Exit
SATA Mode (IDE Mode)

Use this item to select SATA mode.
SATA Port 1 [ST3120827AS (120.0G ]
This item shows the information of device installed in the port.
SATA Port 2~6 (Not Present)
This motherboard supports six SATA channels and each channel allows one SATA
device to be installed. Use these items to configure each device on the SATA channel.
Press <Esc> to return to the SATA Configuration page.

USB Configuration
Use this item to show the information of USB configuration.
USB Configuration Enables Legacy USB Sup-

port. AUTO option disables
All USB Devices Enabled legacy support if no USB
devices are connected.
DISABLE option will keep
Legacy USB Support Enabled USB devices available only
for EFI applications.
lk : Select Screen
Chapter 3
+/- : Change Opt.

F1: General Help
F2: Previous Values
F4: Save & Exit
All USB Devices (Enabled)

Use this item to enable or disable all USB devices.
Legacy USB Support (Enabled)
Use this item to enable or disable support for legacy USB devices.
40
Super IO Configuration
Use this item to show the information of Super IO configuration.
Super IO Configuration Set Parameters of Serial

Port 0 (COMA)
Super IO Chip IT8728
Serial Port 0 Configutation
lk : Select Screen
+/- : Change Opt.
Chapter 3
F1: General Help
F2: Previous Values
F4: Save & Exit
Super IO Chip (IT8728)

This item shows the information of the super IO chip.
fSerial Port 0 Configuration

Serial Port 0 Configuration Enabled or Disabled Serial

Port (COM)
Serial Port Enabled
Device Settings IO=3F8h; IRQ=4;
Change Settings Auto

lk : Select Screen
+/- : Change Opt.
F1: General Help
F2: Previous Values
F4: Save & Exit
Serial Port (Enabled)

This item allows you to enable or disable serial port.
Device Settings (IO=3F8h; IRQ=4)
This item shows the information of the device settings.
Change Settings (Auto)
Use this item to change device settings.
Press <Esc> to return to the Advanced menu page.

Intel(R) Rapid Start Technology
Use this item to show the information of Intel(R) Rapid Start Technology.
Intel(R) Rapid Start Technology
Intel(R) Rapid Start Technology Disabled

lk : Select Screen
mn/Click: Select Item
+/- : Change Opt.
F1: General Help
F2: Previous Values
Chapter 3

F4: Save & Exit
Intel(R) Rapid Start Technology (Disabled)

Use this item to enable or disable the Intel(R) Rapid Start Technology.
Intel(R) Smart Connect Technology

Use this item to show the information of Intel(R) Smart Connect Technology.
ISCT Configuration Enabled Enabled/Disabled ISCT

Configuration
ISCT Notification Control Enabled
ISCT WLAN Power Control Enabled
ISCT WWAN Power Control Enabled lk : Select Screen
ISCT Sleep Duration Value Format Actual Time mn /Click: Select Item
+/- : Change Opt.
F1: General Help
F2: Previous Values
F4: Save & Exit
ISCT Configuration (Enabled)

Use this item to enable/disable ISCT Configuration.
ISCT Notification Control (Enabled)
Use this item to enable/disable ISCT Notification Control.
ISCT WLAN Power Control (Enabled)
Use this item to enable/disable ISCT WLAN Power Control.
ISCT WWAN Power Control (Enabled)
Use this item to enable/disable ISCT WWAN Power Control.
ISCT Sleep Duration Value Format (Actual Time)
Use this item to select actual time or duration in seconds. (ISCT 2.0)
42
Chipset Menu
The chipset menu items allow you to change the settings for the North chipset,
South chipset and other system.
System Agent (SA)

System Agent Configuration
Parameters
PCH Configuration
ME Configuration
lk : Select Screen
Chapter 3
+/- : Change Opt.
F1: General Help
F2: Previous Values
fSystem Agent Configuration

MainParameters.
North Bridge Advanced Chipset M.I.B III Boot Security Save & Exit
System Agent Configuration Select which of

IGFX/PEG/PCI Graphics
Initiate Graphic Adapter Auto device should be Primary
IGD Memory 64M Display or Select SG for
DVMT Memory 256M Switchable Gfx.
IGD Muti-Monitor Disabled
lk : Select Screen
mn/Click: Select Item
+/- : Change Opt.
F1: General Help
F2: Previous Values
F4: Save & Exit
Initiate Graphic Adapter (Auto)

This item allows you to select graphics controller to use as the primary boot device.
IGD Memory (64M)
This item shows the information of the IGD (Internal Graphics Device) memory.
DVMT Memory (256M)
When set to Fixed Mode, the graphics driver will reserve a fixed position of the sys-
tem memory as graphics memory, according to system and graphics requirements.
IGD Multi-Monitor (Disabled)
This item allows you to enable or disable the IGD Muti-Monitor.

fPCH Configuration
PCH Configuration Select AC Power state when
Power is re-applied after
Restore AC Power Loss Power Off a power failure.
Audio Configuration
Azalia HD Audio Enabled
Azalia Internal HDMI codec Enabled lk : Select Screen
Case Open Warning Disabled Enter/Dbl Click : Select
Chassis Opened No +/- : Change Opt.
F1: General Help
Chapter 3
F2: Previous Values

F4: Save & Exit
Restore AC Power Loss (Power Off)

This item enables your computer to automatically restart or return to its operating
status.
Audio Configuration
This item shows the information of the audio configuration.
Azalia HD Audio (Enabled)
This item enables or disables Azalia HD audio.
Azalia Internal HDMI codec (Enabled)
This item enables or disables Azalia Internal HDMI codec.
Case Open Warning (Disabled)
This item enables or disables the warning if the case is opened up, and the item
below indicates the current status of the case.
Chassis Opened (No)
This item indicates whether the case has been opened.
Press <Esc> to return to the Chipset Menu page.
44
f ME Configuration
Management Engine Technology Configuration
ME FW Version 8.1.0.1248
lk : Select Screen
+/- : Change Opt.
Chapter 3
F1: General Help
F2: Previous Values
F4: Save & Exit
ME FW Version (8.1.0.1248)
This item shows the ME FW version.
Press <Esc> to return to the chipset menu page.

M.I.B III (MB Intelligent BIOS III) Menu
This page enables you to set the clock speed and system bus for your system. The
clock speed and system bus are determined by the kind of processor you have
installed in your system.
M.I.B III (MB Intelligent BIOS III) CPU OverClocking

Configuration
CPU OverClocking Configuration
Chipset OverClocking Configuration
B.O.M.P Technology Enabled
Auto Detect DIMM/PCI Clk Enabled

Chapter 3
Spread Spectrum Enabled
IMC Voltage Auto

CPU Voltage Auto
DIMM Voltage Auto
System Agent Voltage Auto
PCH Voltage Auto
CPU PLL Voltage Auto
lk : Select Screen
Intel(R) Core(TM) i7-2700K CPU @ 3.50GHz Enter/Dbl Click : Select
Processor Speed 3500 MHz +/- : Change Opt.
Memory Frequency 1600 MHz F1: General Help
Total Memory 8192MB (DDR3 ) F2: Previous Values
IMC Current Voltage 1.044V F3: Optimized Defaults
CPU Current Voltage 1.128V F4: Save & Exit
DIMM Current Voltage 1.596V ESC/Right Click: Exit
fCPU OverClocking Configuration

Scroll to this item to view the following screen:
CPU OverClocking Configuration
CPU Frequency
CPU Frequency (1/100 MHz) 10000 Maximum supported
CPU Ratio 35 frequency 150.00 MHz
Enhanced Intel SpeedStep Technology Enabled Minimum supported
frequency 99.54 MHz
Turbo Mode Enabled
RuntimeTurbo Enable Disabled
Over Clocking Extra Vol. (1/256 V) 0
IA Core Current Max (1/8 Amp) 1680
iGFX Core Current Max (1/8 Amp) 800 lk : Select Screen
Long Duration Power Limit Override 1440 mn /Click: Select Item
Long Duration Maintained 10 Enter/Dbl Click : Select
Short Duration Power Limit Override 1680 +/- : Change Opt.
1 Core Ratio Limit 39 F1: General Help
2 Core Ratio Limit 38 F2: Previous Values
3 Core Ratio Limit 37 F3: Optimized Defaults
4 Core Ratio Limit 36
46
CPU Frequency (1/100 MHz) (10000)
This item shows the information of CPU Frequency.
CPU Ratio (35)
This item allows users to control non turbo CPU ratio.
Enhanced Intel SpeedStep Technology (Enabled)
This item allows users to enable or disable the EIST (Enhanced Intel SpeedStep Tech-
nology).
Turbo Mode (Enabled)
This item allows you to control the Intel Turbo Boost Technology.
Runtime Turbo Enable (Disabled)
This item shows if CPU support Runtime Turbo.
Over Clocking Extra Vol. (1/256 V) (0)
Chapter 3
This item allows you to control Extra CPU Voltage.
IA Core Current Max (1/8 Amp) (1680)
Use this item to control CPU Current Limit.
iGFX Core Current Max (1/8 Amp) (800)
Use this item to control iGFX Core Current Limit.
Long Duration Power Limit Override (1440)
Intel(R) Turbo Boost Technology will use this power limit during the Long Duration
Power Limit Time Window.
Long Duration Maintained (10)
Use this item to control the time window over PL1 Value should be maintained. This
is for Turbo Mode.
Short Duration Power Limit Override (1680)
Intel(R) Turbo Boost Technology will use this power limit for a very short duration.
After that, the Long Duration Power Limit will be honored.
1/2/3/4 Core Ratio Limit (39/38/37/36)
This item shows the Core Ratio Limit Value.

fChipset OverClocking Configuration
Memory Multiplier Configuration
Performance Memory Profiles Automatic The selection of Perfor-
XMP Profile 1 Supported mance Memory Profiles
XMP Profile 2 Supported which impacts memory siz-
ing behavior.
Memory Timing Configuration
CAS# Latency (tCL) : 9

RAS# to CAS# Delay (tRCD) 9
lk : Select Screen
Row Precharge Time (tRP) 9
Chapter 3
RAS# Active Time (tRAS) 28 mn /Click: Select Item

Write Recovery Time (tWR) 12 Enter/Dbl Click : Select
Row Refresh Cycle Time (tRFC) 128
+/- : Change Opt.
Active to Active Delay (tRRD) 5
Write to Read Delay (tWTR) 6 F1: General Help
Read CAS# Precharge (tRTP) 6 F2: Previous Values
Four Active Window Delay (tFAW) 24 F3: Optimized Defaults
F4: Save & Exit
Intel Graphics Configuration
Graphics Core Ratio Limit 13
Graphics Voltage (1/256 V) 0
Memory Multiplier Configuration

This item shows the information of Memory multiplier Configuration.
XMP Profile 1/2 (Supported)
These items show the information of Performance Memory Profiles.
Memory Timing Configuration
This item shows the information of Memory Timing.
CAS Latency (tCL) (9)
This item determines the operation of DDR SDRAM memory CAS (colulmn address
strobe). It is recommended that you leave this item at the default value. The 2T
setting requires faster memory that specifically supports this mode.
RAS# to CAS# Delay (tRCD) (9)
This item specifies the RAS# to CAS# delay to Rd/Wr command to the same bank.
Row Precharge Time (tRP) (9)
This item specifies Row precharge to Active or Auto-Refresh of the same bank.
RAS# Active Time (tRAS) (28)
This item specifies the RAS# active time.
Write Recovery Time (tWR) (12)
This item specifies the write recovery time.
Row Refresh Cycle Time (tRFC) (128)
This item specifies the row refresh cycle time.
Active to Active Delay (tRRDmin) (5)
This item controls the ACTIVE bank x to ACTIVE bank y in memory clock cycles.
48
Write to Read Delay (twTR) (6)
This item specifies the write to read delay time.
Read CAS# Precharge (tRTP) (6)
This item controls the Read to PRECHARGE delay for memory devices, in memory
clock cycles.
Four Active Window Delay (tFAW) (24)
This item controls the four bank activate time in memory clock cycles.
Intel Graphics Configuration
This item shows the information of Intel Graphics Configuration.
Graphics Core Ratio Limit (13)
This item allows you to control the internal GFX Turbo ratio.
Graphics Voltage(1/256) (0)
This item allows you to adjust the internal GFX voltage.
Chapter 3
Press <Esc> to return to the M.I.B III page.
B.O.M.P Technology (Enabled)
This item allows users to enable or disable B.O.M.P technology. This function can
run safe setting to setup menu when system boot fail 3 times.
Auto Detect DIMM/PCI Clk (Enabled)
When this item is enabled, BIOS will disable the clock signal of free DIMM/PCI slots.
Spread Spectrum (Enabled)
If you enable spread spectrum, it can significantly reduce the EMI (Electro-Magnetic
Interference) generated by the system.
IMC/CPU/DIMM/System Agent/PCH/CPU PLL Voltage (Auto)
These items allow you to adjust the IMC/CPU/DIMM/System Agent/PCH/CPU PLL
voltage.
Intel(R) Core(TM) i7-2700K CPU @ 3.50GHz
This item shows the CPU information.
Processor Speed (3500 MHz)
This item shows the CPU speed.
Memory Frequency (1600 MHz)
This item shows the memory frequency.
Total Memory [8192 MB (DDR3)]
This item shows the total memory.
IMC/CPU/DIMM/PCH Current Voltage
These items show the IMC/CPU/DIMM/PCH current voltage.
Warning: Over-clocking components can adversely affect the reliability of
the system and introduce errors into your system. Over-clocking can
permanently damage the motherboard by generating excess heat in
components that are run beyond the rated limits.
Fail-Safe Procedures for Over-clocking
When end-users encounter failure after attempting over-clocking, please take the
following steps to recover from it.
1. Shut down the computer.
2. Press and hold the “Page Up Key (PgUp)” of the keyboard, and then boot the PC
up.
3. Two seconds after the PC boots up, release the “Page Up Key (PgUp)”.
4. The BIOS returns to the default setting by itself.

Boot Menu
This page enables you to set the keyboard NumLock state.
Boot Configuration Windows 7 or other OS:

Boot policy for Legacy OS
Operation System Select Windows 7 or other OS
Launch PXE OpROM Disabled Windows 8: Boot policy for
Launch Strorage OpROM Enabled UEFI OS without
Compatibility Support
Bootup NumLock State On Module(CSM)
Quiet Boot Enabled
Boot mode select LEGACY Manual: User customized
CSM parameters & boot
Chapter 3
Set Boot Priority policy

Boot Option #1 Hard Disk
Boot Option #2 CD/DVD
Boot Option #3 USB Floppy
Boot Option #4 USB CD/DVD
Boot Option #5 USB Hard Disk
Boot Option #6 USB Key: Ut165 1.00
Boot Option #7 Network
lk : Select Screen
Hard Disk Drive Priorities [Press Enter] mn /Click: Select Item
CD/DVD ROM Drive Priorities [Press Enter] Enter/Dbl Click : Select
USB/Floppy Drive Priorities [Press Enter] +/- : Change Opt.
USB CD/DVD ROM Drive Priorities [Press Enter] F1: General Help
USB HardDisk Drive Priorities [Press Enter] F2: Previous Values
USB Flash Drive Priorities [Press Enter] F3: Optimized Defaults
NETWORK Device Priorities [Press Enter] F4: Save & Exit
CSM parameters [Press Enter]
Boot Configuration
This item shows the information of the Boot Configuration.
Operation System Select (Windows 7 or other OS)
This item is used to select the operation system.
Launch PXE OpROM (Disabled)
The item enables or disables launch PXE Option ROM.
Launch Storage OpROM (Enabled)
Use this item to enable or disable the Storage OpROM.
Bootup NumLock State (On)
This item enables you to select NumLock state.
Quiet Boot (Enabled)
This item enables or disables quiet boot.
Boot mode select (LEGACY)
Use this item to select boot mode.
Set Boot Priority
This item enables you to set boot priority for all boot devices.
Boot Option #1/2/3/4/5/6/7
These items show the boot priorities.
50
Hard Disk Drive/ CD/DVD ROM Drive/ USB/IDE Floppy Drive/ USB CD/DVD ROM Drive/
USB HardDisk Drive/ USB Flash Drive/ NETWORK Device Drive Priorities
These items enable you to specify the sequence of loading the operating system.
Press <Enter> to see the submenu.
CSM parameters
OpROM execution, boot options filter,etc.
fCSM parameters
Scroll to this item and press <Enter> to view the following screen.
Main Advanced Chipset M.I.B III Boot Security Save &Exit
Chapter 3
Launch CSM Always This option controls if CSM
Boot option filter UEFI and Legacy will be launched
Launch PXE OpROM policy Do not launch
Launch Storage OpROM policy Legacy only
Launch Video OpROM policy Legacy only
Other PCI device ROM priority Legacy OpROM
lk : Select Screen
+/- : Change Opt.
F1: General Help
F2: Previous Values
F4: Save & Exit
Launch CSM (Always)

This option controls if CSM will be launched.
Boot option filter (UEFI and Legacy)
This option controls what devices system can boot to.
Launch PXE OpROM policy (Do not Launch)
This controls the execution of UEFI and Legacy PXE OpROM.
Launch Storage OpROM policy (Legacy only)
This controls the execution of UEFI and Legacy Storage OpROM.
Launch Video OpROM policy (Legacy only)
This controls the execution of UEFI and Legacy Video OpROM.
Other PCI device ROM priority (Legacy OpROM)
For PCI devices other than Network, Mass storage or Video defines which OpROM to
launch.

Security Menu
This page enables you to set setup administrator password and user password.
Administrator Password Status Not Install Secure Boot mode selector.

User Password Status Not Install ‘Standard’ -fixed Secure
boot policy, ‘Custom’ -
Administrator Password changeable Image
Execution policy and Secure
Boot Key databases
System Mode state Setup lk : Select Screen
Secure Boot state Disabled mn /Click: Select Item
Secure Boot Enabled +/- : Change Opt.
Chapter 3
Secure Boot Mode Custom F1: General Help

Image Execution Policy F2: Previous Values
Key Management F3: Optimized Defaults
F4: Save & Exit
Administrator Password Status (Not Install)

This item shows administrator password installed or not.
User Password Status (Not Install)
This item shows user password installed or not.
System Mode state (Setup)
This item shows system mode setup or not.
Secure Boot state (Disabled)
This item allows you to enable or disable the secure boot state.
Secure Boot (Enabled)
This item is used to control the secure boot flow, it is possible only if system runs in
User Mode.
Secure Boot Mode (Custom)
This item is used to select secure boot mode, when you select standard mode, se-
cure boot policy is fixed; when you select custom mode, the image execution policy
and secure boot key databases are changeable.
52
fImage Execution Policy
Internal FV Always Execute Image Execution Policy per
Option ROM Deny Execute device path on Security
Removable Media Deny Execute Violation. Note: Only users
Fixed Media Deny Execute logged with Administrative
password can exercise
Query User policy setting
lk : Select Screen
+/- : Change Opt.
Chapter 3
F1: General Help
F2: Previous Values
F4: Save & Exit
Internal FV/Option ROM/Removable Media/Fixed Media (Always Execute/Deny Ex-

ecute)
These items allow you to select image execution policy per device path on security
violation. Only users logged with administrative password can exercise query user
policy setting.
Press <Esc> to return to the Security Menu page.

fKey Management
Default Key Provisioning Disabled Force OEM default Secure
Manage All Factory Keys (PK, KEK, DB, DBX) Boot Keys if System is in
Install default Secure Boot keys Setup Mode.
Platform Key (PK) NOT INSTALLED

Set PK from File
Get PK to File
Delete the PK
Key Exchange Key Database (KEK) NOT INSTALLED
Set KEK from File
Get KEK to File
Chapter 3
Delete the KEK

Append an entry to KEK
Authorized Signature Database (DB) NOT INSTALLED
Set DB from File lk : Select Screen
Get DB to File mn /Click: Select Item
Delete the DB Enter/Dbl Click : Select
Append an entry to DB +/- : Change Opt.
Forbidden Signature Database (DBX) NOT INSTALLED F1: General Help
Set DBX from File F2: Previous Values
Get DBX to File F3: Optimized Defaults
Delete the DBX F4: Save & Exit
Append an entry to DBX ESC/Right Click: Exit
Default Key Provisioning (Disabled)

This item enables or disables you to force OEM default secure boot keys if system is
in setup mode.
Platform Key (PK)
This item shows the information of the platform key.
Set PK/KEK/DB/DBX from File
This item launches the file browser to set Efi Variable from the file. The file data must
be formatted as Efi Variable with TimeBased Authenticated Header.
Get PK/KEK/DB/DBX to File
This item is used to store secure variable to a file with a matching name in selected
file system’s root.
Delete the PK/KEK/DB/DBX
This item is used to delete the variable.
Key Exchange Key Database (KEK)
This item shows the information of the key exchange key database.
Authorized Signature Database (DB)
This item shows the information of the authorized signature database.
Forbidden Signature Database (DBX)
This item shows the information of the forbidden signature database.
Append an entry to KEK/DB/DBX
This item launches the file browser to Append new signature database from the file.
The file data must be formatted as Efi Variable with TimeBased Authenticated Header.
54
Save & Exit Menu
This page enables you to exit system setup after saving or without saving the
changes.
Profile Configuration Enabled/Disabled Profile

function
Back to EZ Mode
Save Changes and Exit

Discard Changes and Exit
Save Changes and Reset
Discard Changes and Reset lk : Select Screen
Chapter 3
Save Options Enter/Dbl Click : Select
Save Changes +/- : Change Opt.
Discard Changes F1: General Help
F2: Previous Values
Restore Defaults F3: Optimized Defaults
F4: Save & Exit
Boot Override
Ut163 USB2Flash Storage0.00
SATA PM:ST3120827AS
Back to EZ Mode
This item enables you to back to EZ mode.
Save Changes and Exit
This item enables you to exit system setup after saving the changes.
Discard Changes and Exit
This item enables you to exit system setup without saving any changes.
Save Changes and Reset
This item enables you to reset the system setup after saving the changes.
Discard Changes and Reset
This item enables you to reset system setup without saving any changes.
Save Options
This item enables you to save the options that you have made.
Save Changes
This item enables you to save the changes that you have made.
Discard Changes
This item enables you to discard any changes that you have made.
Restore Defaults
This item enables you to restore defaults to all the setup options.
Boot Override
Use this item to select the boot device.

Updating the BIOS
You can download and install updated BIOS for this motherboard from the
manufacturer’s Website. New BIOS provides support for new peripherals, improve-
ments in performance, or fixes for known bugs. Install new BIOS as follows:
1 If your motherboard has a BIOS protection jumper, change the setting to
allow BIOS flashing.
2 If your motherboard has an item called Firmware Write Protect in Ad-
vanced BIOS features, disable it. (Firmware Write Protect prevents BIOS
from being overwritten.)
3 Prepare a bootable device or create a bootable system disk. (Refer to
Windows online help for information on creating a bootable system disk.)
4 Download the Flash Utility and new BIOS file from the manufacturer’s
Web site. Copy these files to the bootable device.
Chapter 3
5 Turn off your computer and insert the bootable device in your computer.
(You might need to run the Setup Utility and change the the boot priority
items on the Advanced BIOS Features Setup page, to force your computer
to boot from the bootable device first.)
6 At the C:\ or A:\ prompt, type the Flash Utility program name and the file
name of the new BIOS and then press <Enter>. Example: AFUDOS.EXE
040706.ROM
7 When the installation is complete, remove the bootable device from the
computer and restart your computer. If your motherboard has a Flash
BIOS jumper, reset the jumper to protect the newly installed BIOS from
being overwritten. The computer will restart automatically.
This concludes Chapter 3. Refer to the next chapter for information on the software
supplied with the motherboard.
56
Chapter 4
Using the Motherboard Software
Auto-installing under Windows XP/7/8
The auto-install DVD-ROM makes it easy for you to install the drivers and software.
The support software DVD-ROM disc loads automatically under Windows XP/7/8.
When you insert the DVD-ROM disc in the DVD-ROM drive, the auto-run feature will
automatically bring up the installation screen. The screen has four buttons on it:
Setup, Utilities, Browse CD and Exit.
Information:
Displays the path for all
software and drivers
available on the disk.
Click “Exit” button to

close the Auto-Setup
Chapter 4
window.
Browse CD:
Open Windows Explorer
and show the contents
of the support disk.
Click the “Setup” Click the “ Utilities”
button to select and button to select and
run the software install ECS Intelligent
installation program. Utility.
Running Setup
Follow these instructions to install device drivers and software for the
motherboard:
1. Click Setup. The installation program begins:
The following screens are examples only. The screens and driver lists will be
different according to the motherboard you are installing.
The motherboard identification is located in the upper left-hand corner.

57
2. Click Next. The following screen appears:
3. Check the box next to the items you want to install. The default options are recommended.
4. Click Next to run the Installation Wizard. An item installation screen appears:
Chapter 4
5. Follow the instructions on the screen to install the items.

Drivers and software are automatically installed in sequence. Follow the
onscreen instructions, confirm commands and allow the computer to re-
start a few times to complete the installation.
Windows 8 will show the following screen after system restart, you
must select “Desktop” in the bottom left to install the next driver.

58
Windows 7/8 will appear below UAC (User Account Control) message after
the system restart. You must select “Yes” to install the next driver. Continue
this process to complete the drivers installation.
Manual Installation
Chapter 4
If the auto-install DVD-ROM does not work on your system, you can still install
drivers through the file manager for your OS (for example, Windows Explorer). Look
for the chipset and motherboard model, and then browse to the directory and path
to begin installing the drivers. Most drivers have a setup program (SETUP.EXE) that
automatically detects your operating system before installation. Other drivers have
the setup program located in the operating system subfolder.
If the driver you want to install does not have a setup program, browse to the oper-
ating system subfolder and locate the readme text file (README.TXT or README.DOC)
for information on installing the driver or software for your operating system.
ECS Utility Software (Intelligent EZ Utility)

ECS Intelligent EZ Utility provides friendly interfaces under Windows O.S, which makes
your computing more easily and conveniently.
These software(s) are subject to change at anytime without prior notice. Please
refer to the support disk for available software.

59
eSF
eSF(Smart Fan) utility provides easy and safe way to adjust fan speed in accordance
with your PC’s system loading and temperature.
It has five modes to adjust fan speed in a safe range without entering the BIOS to
optimize your system cooling environment.
Microsoft .NET Framework 3.5 is required.
eDLU
Chapter 4
ECS eDLU utility makes updating drivers fast and easy. eDLU saves time and hassle
by listing all the latest drivers online. Just select the one you prefer and start to
download and install the drivers.
eBLU
ECS eBLU utility makes BIOS update faster and easier. eBLU will list the latest BIOS
with a default check-mark. Click”install” button to install.

60
eOC
ECS eOC Utility is a simple over-clocking tool that provides user-friendly windows
operation interface for novices and over-clockers. Combining with ECS MIB III tech-
nology, eOC challenges the undiscovered over-clocking capability than ever before.
Monitor Easy Tuning
Advance Tuning Options
Chapter 4

61
Memo
Chapter 4

62
Chapter 5
Intel® Matrix Storage Manager RAID Configuration
The Intel® Matrix Storage Manager allows you to configure RAID 0, and 1 sets on the
external Serial ATA hard disk drives.
Before creating a RAID set

Prepare the following items:
1. One SATA HDD.
2. A write-enabled floppy disk.
3. Microsoft ® Windows® OS installation disk (Windows XP).
4. Motherboard support CD with Intel® Matrix Storage Manager driver.
Complete the following steps before you create a RAID set:
1. Install the external Serial ATA hard disk drive (HDD) on your system.
2. Set the Onboard SATA Mode item in the BIOS to RAID...
See section “Integrated Peripherals” for details.
Chapter 5
3. Enter the Intel® Matrix Storage Manager option to set up your RAID con-
figuration.
4. Create an Intel® Matrix Storage Manager driver disk for Windows® OS in-
stallation. See section “Creating a RAID driver disk” for details.
5. Install the Intel ® Matrix Storage Manager driver after the Windows ® OS
had been installed.

63
Entering Intel® Matrix Storage Manager RAID BIOS utility
1. During POST, press <Ctrl-I> to enter the Intel® Matrix Storage Manager RAID
BIOS menu.
2. The main Intel® Matrix Storage Manager RAID BIOS menu appears.
3. Use the arrow keys to move the color bar and navigate through the items.
Chapter 5

64
Creating a RAID set
1. In the main Intel® Matrix Storage Manager RAID BIOS menu, highlight Cre-
ate RAID Volume using the up/down arrow key then press <Enter>.
2. When the RAID Level item is highlighted, use the up/down arrow key to
select the RAID set that you want to create.
When more than two HDDs are installed in your computer, the Disks item
will be selectable. Then users can select the HDD that you want to belong
Chapter 5
to the RAID set. Please be noticed that selecting a wrong disk will result in
losing the original data of the HDD.
3. Key in the RAID volume capacity. Use the up/down arrow to choose the
Capacity. The default value indicates the maximum capacity using the
selected disks. Entering a lower capacity allows you to create a second
volume on these disks.

65
4. When done, press <Enter> to confirm the creation of the RAID set. A dia-
logue box appears to confirm the action. Press <Y> to confirm; otherwise,
press <N>.
Pressing <Y> deletes all the data in the HDDs.

5. The following screen appears, displaying the relevant information about
the RAID set you created.
Chapter 5
Users please be noted that RAID 0 (Stripe) is set to accelerate the data
access, and RAID 1 (Mirror) is set to provide the data backup. If you want
to set RAID 0, you need to set the 2nd Boot Device item in the BIOS to Intel
Volume0. See section “Advanced Setup” for details.

66
Deleting a RAID set
1. In the main Intel® Matrix Storage Manager RAID BIOS menu, highlight De-
lete RAID Volume using the up/down arrow key then press <Enter>.
2. Use the space bar to select the RAID set you want to delete.
Press the <Del> key to delete the set.
3. A dialogue box appears to confirm the action. Press <Y> to confirm; other-
wise, press <N>.
Chapter 5

67
Resetting disks to Non-RAID
An HDD that has been previously configured as part of another RAID set
in another platform is called a broken RAID HDD. When you install a bro-
ken RAID HDD, you cannot select this disk when configuring a RAID set
through the Intel® Matrix Storage Manager option. If you still want to use
this broken RAID HDD as part of the RAID set configured through the Intel®
Matrix Storage Manager, you may do so by resetting the disk to Non-RAID.
You will, however, lose all data and previous RAID configurations.
To reset disks to Non-RAID:
1. In the main Intel® Matrix Storage Manager RAID BIOS menu, highlight Reset
Disks to Non-RAID using the up/down arrow key then press <Enter>.
2. Use the space bar to select the HDD to reset to Non-RAID.

3. A dialogue box appears to confirm the action. Press <Y> to confirm; other-
wise, press <N>.
Exiting Setup
When you have finished, highlight Exit using the up/down arrow key then press <En-
ter> to exit the Intel® Matrix Storage Manager RAID BIOS utility.
A dialogue box appears to confirm the action. Press <Y> to confirm; otherwise, press
Chapter 5
<N> to return to the Intel® Matrix Storage Manager RAID BIOS menu.

68
Chapter 6
Trouble Shooting
Start up problems during assembly
After assembling the PC for the first time you may experience some start up
problems. Before calling for technical support or returning for warranty, this
chapter may help to address some of the common questions using some basic
troubleshooting tips. You may also log onto our ECS website for more information:
http:// www.ecs.com.tw/ECSWebSite/Support/Support_FAQ.aspx?MenulD=49&
childid=M 49&LanlD=0
a) System does not power up and the fans are not running.
1. Disassemble the PC to remove the VGA adaptor card, DDR memory, LAN, USB and
other peripherals including keyboard and mouse. Leave only the motherboard,
CPU with CPU cooler and power supply connected. Make sure the power cord is
plugged into the wall socket & the switch on the Power Supply Unit (PSU) is turned
“ on “ as well. Turn on again to see if the CPU and power supply fans are running.
2. Make sure to remove any unused screws or other metal objects such as
screwdrivers from the inside PC case. This is to prevent damage from short circuit.
3. Check the CPU FAN connector is connected to the motherboard.
4. For Intel platforms check the pins on the CPU socket for damage or bent. A bent
pin may cause failure to boot and sometimes permanent damage from short circuit.
5. Check the 12V power connector is connected to the motherboard.
6. Check that the 12V power & ATX connectors are fully inserted into the
motherboard connectors. Make sure the latches of the cable and connector are
locked into place.
Chapter 6
b) Power is on, fans are running but there is no display
1. Make sure the monitor is turned on and the monitor cable is properly connected
to the PC.
2. Check the VGA adapter card (if applicable) is inserted properly.
3. Listen for beep sounds. If you are using internal PC speaker make sure it is
connected.
a. continuous 3 short beeps: memory not detected
b. 1 long beep and 8 short beeps: VGA not detected
c) The PC suddenly shuts down while booting up.

1. The CPU may experience overheating so it will shutdown to protect itself. Apply
the thermal grease onto the CPU heatsink & ensure the CPU fan is well-connected
with the CPU heatsink. Check if the CPU fan is working properly while the system
is running.

2. From the BIOS setting, try to disable the Smartfan function to let the fan run at
default speed. Doing a Load Optimised Default will also disable the Smartfan.
Start up problems after prolong use

After a prolong period of use your PC may experience start up problems again. This
may be caused by breakdown of devices connected to the motherboard such as
HDD, CPU fan, etc. The following tips may help to revive the PC or identify the cause
of failure.
1. Clear the CMOS values using the CLR_CMOS jumper. Refer to CLR_CMOS jumper
in Chapter 2 for Checking Jumper Settings in this user manual. When completed,
follow up with a Load Optimised Default in the BIOS setup.
2. Check the CPU cooler fan for dust. Long term accumulation of dust will reduce its
effectiveness to cool the processor. Clean the cooler or replace a new one if
necessary.
3. Check that the 12V power & ATX connectors are fully inserted into the
motherboard connectors. Make sure the latches of the cable and connector are
locked into place.
4. Remove the hard drive, optical drive or DDR memory to determine which of
these components may be at fault.
5. Check whether there is any bulked up electrolytic capacitor or abnormal
component.
Please logo onto our ECS website: http://www.ecs.com.tw/ECSWebSite/Support/

Technical_Support_List.aspx?MenuID=50&LanID=0 for more information.
Maintenance and care tips

Your computer, like any electrical appliance, requires proper care and
maintenance. Here are some basic PC care tips to help prolong the life of the
motherboard and keep it running as best as it can.
Chapter 6
1. Keep your computer in a well ventilated area. Leave some space between the
PC and the wall for sufficient airflow.
2. Keep your computer in a cool dry place. Avoid dusty areas, direct sunlight and
areas of high moisture content.
3. Routinely clean the CPU cooler fan to remove dust and hair.
4. In places of hot and humid weather you should turn on your computer once
every other week to circulate the air and prevent damage from humidity.
5. Add more memory to your computer if possible. This not only speeds up the
system but also reduces the loading of your hard drive to prolong its life span.
6. If possible, ensure the power cord has an earth ground pin directly from the
wall outlet. This will reduce voltage fluctuation that may damage sensitive devices.
70
Basic Troubleshooting Flowchart
Power Bu on is pressed
but PC fails to start.
No AC power cord is plugged No

Check if Power Supply

Unit (PSU) is working and PSU switch is turned on?
Yes
CLR CMOS and check Yes
No No
Check if monitor has Any Beep sound if CPU 12V power
display Problem with PSU or board?
is connected
If board problem -> contact RMA
Yes
Yes
No Restart the PC Turn on PSU switch

Halt at POST screen - If 3 short beeps:
or connect to wall socket
DIMM memory not properly
and restart.
inserted or memory failure
Yes - If 1 lo ng be ep and 8 sho rt be ep s:
VGA not detected Check if monitor No Board problem
CLR CMOS and restart. has display
-> contact RMA
If fail, contact RMA
Yes
Peripheral device issue

- HDD problem.
- CMOS setup error,
System fail to start or unstable
need to CLRCMOS. CLR CMOS and restart
a er modify BIOS se ng.
71
Memo
Chapter 6
72

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Preface

Federal Communications Commission (FCC)

Z77H2-A3 USER MANUAL

 EN 61000-3-3 Disturbances in supply systems caused by household appli-

Canadian Department of Communications

About the Manual

Chapter 2 Describes installation of H page 7

Chapter 5 Describes Intel ® Matrix H page 63

Chapter 6 Provides basic trouble H page 69

Z77H2-A3 USER MANUAL

Z77H2-A3 USER MANUAL iii

Z77H2-A3 USER MANUAL 1

Z77H2-A3 USER MANUAL 3

Z77H2-A3 USER MANUAL 5

1. PS/2 Combo port

7~12. Audio ports

9: Side Surround 12: Mic_in Rear

2-2. Installing the motherboard in a Chassis

Do not over-tighten the screws as this can stress the motherboard.

Z77H2-A3 USER MANUAL 7

To avoid the system instability after clearing CMOS, we recommend users to

Z77H2-A3 USER MANUAL 9

C. Connect the CPU cooler power connector to the CPU_FAN connector.

Z77H2-A3 USER MANUAL 11

3 DIMMs ~ Populated Populated Populated

1. For best performance and compatibility, we recommend that users give

Z77H2-A3 USER MANUAL 13

Before installing an add-on card, check the documentation for

Please refer the following illustrations to install the add-on card:

Install the VGA Card in the PCIE X16 slot

Z77H2-A3 USER MANUAL 15

No. Components No. Components

2. CASE: Chassis Intrusion Detect Header

Z77H2-A3 USER MANUAL 17

4. F_USB1~2: Front Panel USB 2.0 headers (F_USB1 supports EZ Charger)

Z77H2-A3 USER MANUAL 19

8. F_AUDIO: Front Panel Audio Header

* For reference only

Z77H2-A3 USER MANUAL 21

Refer to the illustration below for proper installation:

* For reference only

Z77H2-A3 USER MANUAL 23

Connecting 24-pin power cable

With ATX v2.x power supply, users please

24-pin power cable

Connecting 4-pin power cable

When installing 4-pin power cable, the

4-pin power cable

Z77H2-A3 USER MANUAL 25

This concludes Chapter 2. The next chapter covers the BIOS.

The BIOS Setup Utility enables you to configure:

This chapter provides explanations for Setup Utility options.

The Standard Configuration

Entering the Setup Utility

Press DEL to enter SETUP

Z77H2-A3 USER MANUAL 27

Resetting the Default CMOS Values

BIOS Navigation Keys

1. For the purpose of better product maintenance, the manufacture

EN 61000-3-3 Disturbances in supply systems caused by household appli-